The Takapuna Market

Sunday funday down at the Takapuna markets with the addison & eight cake extraordinaire Rachelle! Come down and say hey pick up some cake to go with lunch or afternoon tea for your relaxing Sunday afternoon and save me from eating this very tempting chocolate bounty cake. These gems of cakes are all gluten free, refined sugar free and have options of vegan and paleo so egg and dairy free. They use wholesome natural ingredients yet taste the same if not better than your old fashion cake. But with less guilt so it’s ok to have more than one slice :)

My childhood local market– happens every Sunday from 6am until 12pm noon in the carpark opposite the mall and right by the cinemas. Lots of stalls with an array of things on offer including bric-​à-​brac, fresh fruits and veges, clothes, flowers, clothing, crafts and furniture.
Park in the mall if you want to stop by there first or after the markets otherwise there is some around the beach and nearby side streets. Well worth a look around and good place for brunch. We picked up some handmade bakery goods as well as some paua fritters, yum.

I love this market! It’s probably on the same level of La Cigale on Sundays regarding how much I love this market. Takapuna Market is basically open on Sunday mornings, and as other markets are, the earlier you come, the fresher and better stuff you’re gonna get. I came at around 9am, but there was still a lot of good stuff around, but be prepared to be turning around looking for a parking spot.
There’s clothes, phone accessories, fishes, flower sellers (bouquets ranging from $ 3.50 to $ 20), plant sellers (there’s so many succulent sellers it’s a steal for people that love terrariums, some even sell for $ 1!), fresh produce (especially strawberries in the summer!), coffee sellers, and most importantly… lots of good food.
Okay, let me explain that further. There’s really delicious authentic italian wood fired pizza for $ 15 made by a man from Naples (flavour choices are either Margarita or Marinara), Toro Churros, Paella, multiple bread and pastry sellers, german/​hungarian (i forgot) hot dogs that you can sniff as you pass (super delish by the whiff), hungarian elephant ears (basically a large roll of fried bread with your choice of toppings), the list goes on!
Overall, Takapuna Market is perfect if you want some good food (or even flowers/​little succulents, because hey, i’ve learnt today that buying flowers for yourself makes you feel good) and then continue to the nearby park or Takapuna Beach which is a 5-​minute walk away! It’s pretty hard to only spend less than $ 20 at Takapuna Markets with all this good food and flowers and plants.

I have been frequenting the Takapuna Markets since I was a wee child and I still find it to be one of the most enjoyable Sunday morning activities.
When I was younger, my cousins and I thought it was an absolute treasure trove — we were forever searching for shiny new (old) trinkets on which to spend our pocket money.
Nowadays, it’s my go to for my weekly fruit and vege shop. Not only is everything seasonal but it’s also great quality and cheaper than most supermarkets. That’s a win win in my book. In particular, the asian vegetables, flowers and strawberries (when in season of course) are brilliant!
The market does tend to get a bit crowded at 9:30am so get in early to get the best of the bunch. Oh, and don’t forget to try the pork buns and the mussel fritters — they are the perfect Sunday morning snack!

Here I was thinking the Takapuna Sunday markets had become kinda average. I went today for the first time in a couple of years and I was really impressed by what they had to offer! I arrived with a friend just after 11am, and the markets shut up at 12pm so perhaps we left our visit a little late. But we were in search of some particular items for a photo shoot and left with everything we needed plus more! The markets is divided into sections which means it’s easier to find just what you want. We found some great vintage finds in the second-​hand stalls near the front of the market.
Fresh produce and locally-​produced products abound to feast your eyes (and tummy) and lots of other products to purchase at a discount.
I’ll definitely be back for fresh flowers, fun second-​hand homewares and will be arriving with an empty stomach next time to grab some of the delicious stall foods on offer.

The Takapuna Markets are sortof like the posh country cousins of the Avondale Markets; (despite being equally as urban) they’re full of family heirlooms, albeit sitting on trestle tables waiting to be sold; bucketfulls of peonies, and second-​hand Country Road shirts.
There’s a strong emphasis on second hand items at this market, and mostly it’s all pretty decent: think antique shop rather than flea market. There’s also a few fruit and vege stands, including some that offer spray free or organic produce. It’s a great place for a Sunday morning mosey about, but maybe not the place to go if you want to get a whole lot of fruit and veg of all different varieties.

The Takapuna Sunday Markets have been going fo as long as I can remember, and they never get old. With everything from fresh produce, to homewares, to cheese and mussel fritters — there are heaps of reasons to visit.
Pick up a coffee form the coffee guy, stroll past the stalls and engage in some great-​people watching. The markets go until about 12, so pop down to Taka beach afterwards — it’s just a stones throw away. Maybe even take some of your newly purchased local goods for a lunchtime picnic.

While most Sundays tend to be a write off thanks to the invention of alcohol, the Takapuna Sunday Markets are worth getting up for!
I think the ability to be able to know where your food is coming from and really get to know individual storeowners lends a sense of community that is often lacking in busy Auckland Life. Following a revival in the whole market scene, these markets are really thriving. There is a range of amazingly fresh produce, sweetcorn, eggpplants, tomatoes, mmmm I think I may have just drooled all over my keyboard. there are also treasure troves of trinket stores where I regularly (to the chagrin of my partner) find more additions to my jewellery collection.

The Takapuna market is great, lots of food and tons of energy. Even if it’s a bit out of the way for you, the market is large enough to be worth it. They have trinket stores, trash and treasure, and some crafts so be on the look out for a bargain or two.
The bread stalls are my favourites (look out for the guy selling potato breads). It’s a good place to do a bit of food shopping some tastings and grab some breakfast, brunch or lunch before hitting up Takapuna beach. Make a day of it!
Look for it in the car park opposite Les Mils

I’m a huge fan of outdoor markets, where you can find fresh produce home grown, delicious baked goods, freshly squeezed juice and smoothies, and fish straight out of the sea.
My pick of the North Shore markets is definitely the Sunday Takapuna Markets, get there early as they start at six in the morning, or if you’re a late riser on the weekend like me before nine to grab the best the market has to offer.
Other treats I have to mention is the Old man with the glasses and the deep voice who has a stall that sells the best chili tomato sauce, and whole grain mustard labelled Jolly Chef Products– a must visit for the home chef. They even have a stall of my favorite ever peanut butter Pic’s if you haven’t tried this made in Nelson delight please indulge it wont let you down.
There are so many stalls I could mention however I would like you to go and enjoy it for yourself.
Have a Churro for me! Markets close down around 12 midday.